An Act Uplifting Families and Securing the Right to Strike for Certain Public Employees

Massachusetts public employees, including educators, are currently prohibited by state law from engaging in a strike. This injustice prevents educators from bargaining on a level playing field with their employers and unfairly restricts their ability to take collective action in support of themselves and their families, their students, and the communities they serve. This bill addresses this injustice by allowing educators and other public employees, except for public safety personnel, to legally strike after six months of negotiations if they have not been able to reach an agreement. The legislation would also ensure that the right to free speech is no longer restricted for public employees and their unions as it relates to discussing or supporting a strike.